PENALTY LOSS: Don’t blame Mikel, says Oliseh

Ex- Super Eagles Captain, Sunday Oliseh has faulted fans all over the world castigating Chelsea FC of London midfielder for missing a penalty against Zambia in yesterday’s second group C match at the on-going Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa.

Nigeria drew 1-1 with Zambia at the Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit with both teams having two points and still not sure of qualification chances to the quarter-final. The final group matches would determine.

Egyptian referee, Grisha Ghead gave Nigeria a penalty in the first half after attacker Ahmed Musa was fouled in the 18-yard box by a Zambia defender.

Mikel’s antecedents as a good penalty taker for Nigeria made him step out.

Surprisingly he failed to convert his kick. “Those criticizing Mikel on Twitter are not fair because anybody can miss a penalty. Instead what people should be taking about is what did the players do after missing the penalty? He said.

Oliseh who is a guest analyst on cable sports station Supersport also criticized the referee for the penalty awarded to Zambia. “That was not a penalty because both players were going for the ball and the Zambia player was not inside the 18-yard box.

“We can see that officiating in this tournament has not been good,” he said.

On his thoughts about Keshi not leading a team beyond the first round in a Cup of Nations tournament, Oliseh said the situation now is different.

“I’m looking beyond Keshi because Nigeria as a country is bigger than Keshi. We are talking of our national identity which is at stake. I know questions would be asked as to why we cannot win our matches. Why we are making the same error, but that we have to put aside and think ahead” he said.

However, Oliseh still has firm confidence in Nigeria of winning its next and final group match against Ethiopia on Tuesday.